Conversion disorder

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause of conversion disorder is not known. Conversion disorder symptoms may occur because of stressful event, emotional distress or psychological problems such as dissociative disorder, or personality disorder. It is common on women than men. History of neurological disease such as epilepsy or family history of conversion disorder, history of sexual abuse in past, neglect by parents are the risk factors for developing conversion disorder.

Clinical presentation

Common signs of conversion disorder include a debilitating symptom that begins suddenly, a history of a psychological problem that gets better after the symptom appears , a lack of concern that usually occurs with a severe symptom. Symptoms of a conversion disorder involve loss of one or more bodily functions, such as poor coordination, loss of balance, inability to speak, numbness, paralysis in arm and leg, blindness or vision problem, deafness, seizure, difficulty in swallowing, urinary retention, inability to feel pain, hallucinations.

Investigation

Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Diagnosing conversion disorder is difficulty as it can mimic other diseases as well such as myasthenia gravis, stroke, spinal cord injury, HIV, etc. The diagnosis of conversion disorder involves absence of any neurological disease, history of stressful event or trauma either physical or psychological, absence of faking the illness, presence of significant stress or difficulty in social, work or other areas.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the presenting signs and symptoms. Psychotherapy and stress management training may help reduce symptoms. Physical or occupational therapy can help until the symptoms disappear. Supportive care is given to prevent further complications. Hypnotherapy will also help in managing the disease. Transcranial magnetic stimulation may contribute further to the treatment

Other Modes of treatment

The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating Conversion disorder. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating Conversion disorder.